Keeping healthy before and during pregnancy 1. Avoid alcohol and drugs (including tobacco and caffeine) 2. Maintain nutritious diet ~Need up to 400 extra calories 3. Prenatal vitamins ~Folic acid is important because it reduces chances of birth defects 4. Get moderate to regular exercise ~Improves circulation ~Prevents excessive weight gain ~Prepares mother for labor   5. Have all medical conditions evaluated by a doctor Prenatal Care: healthcare provided during pregnancy 1st exam- physical exam, blood tests, discuss childbirth options.

Stages of Childbirth ~Begins with onset of labor ~Signs of onset are contractions or tightening of uterine muscles ~Contractions are also known as “labor pains” Bag of Waters breaks  

Dilation: 1st stage of labor ~Uterus contracts ~Cervix dilates or opens up ~Membranes surrounding baby open ~”Water breaks”- amniotic fluid is released out of vagina ~1st stage ends when the cervix is dilated 10cm

Delivery of Baby: 2nd stage ~Head emerges fully Crowning ~Shoulders rotate ~Episiotomies may be done

Placental: 3rd stage ~Begins after the baby is delivered ~Ends when the uterus expels the placenta and umbilical cord out of the body

Types of Childbirth Natural Childbirth (Through the vagina) Cesarean section (C-section)- baby and placenta are lifted out of the mothers body by surgery ~An incision is made in the mother’s lower abdomen and then into the uterus ~C-section are most common if: Baby too large Baby is in wrong position Multiples Nontraditional Birth Birthing Center Water Birth Midwife

After Birth Procedures Mucous Membranes are removed via suction Umbilical Tube is clamped and cut APGAR Test is preformed Appearance Pulse Grimace (reflex) Activity Respiration Height, Weight Time of Birth are recorded Antibiotics put into baby’s eyes to prevent blindness due to Gonorrhea Vitamin K shot for clotting, Hepatitis B to prevent spread of infection due to fluid exchange